Joy by Iraqis at capture of Saddam short-lived

JOY at the capture of Saddam Hussein gave way to resentment toward Washington yesterday as Iraqis confronted afresh the bloodshed, shortages and soaring prices of life under American occupation.

The morning after Iraq's American governor revealed the ousted strongman was a dishevelled prisoner, Iraqis flooded the streets to snatch up newspapers emblazoned with photos of the man who ruled them by fear, now humbled and captive. Many were ecstatic to see Saddam captured and hoped he would answer for his deeds but said they would not rush to thank America in their eyes the source of their problems since an American-led coalition toppled Saddam in April.

"I hope that we get the chance to try him our way, to let everyone who suffered make him taste what he had made us taste," said Ali Hussein, 29, a stationery shop owner who said he was still dizzy with joy.